Attention Lakewood military families! Published Jan. 20, 2011 By 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- The Lakewood Patch, www.patch.com, is an electronic Lakewood community gathering place, which reports news, events, videos, restaurant reviews, high-school sports, etc. They're currently seeking families of military service men and women who are interested in contributing to a series that looks at the impacts of service on military families. Participating families will be interviewed and asked to submit photos/videos of their deployed loved one, for use in both the Q&A spotlight and for a larger photo/video gallery, which other community members may add to and comment on. In fact, anyone who knew the servicemember, whether a former soccer coach or eighth-grade science teacher, will be solicited right in the gallery text to share their favorite story or photo involving that servicemember. Additionally, families will be asked if they'd like to maintain a blog for the Lakewood Patch site, detailing two or three times a week their thoughts, reflections and updates on their deployed family member. The local editor (Marques Hunter) will determine who is the best fit for the blog-writing after reviewing sample submissions from multiple families. Community members are also encouraged to share photos and videos of their loved one or friend who is on active duty abroad or has recently returned. The photos and videos, whether from a high school football game or a recent visit home, will be posted in an online gallery with an opportunity for visitors to share their thoughts and reflections. To get the project off the ground, please send any such items as an e-mail attachment to the editor. Remember operational security! Operation Security not only protects Airmen and units, but it protects you the family member, the rest of your family and friends on the home front by denying phishers, scammers, ID thieves and other personal or operational information they need to work their schemes. In today's society, everyone seems to have a MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, or some other type of social-media account. These accounts are great for keeping in touch with people. However, we need to be cautious when posting things about the military community. Here are some tips on how to keep our military safe: Limit what you say about: Military movements (deployment/redeployment dates, dates of field exercises, flight information etc.)... next Tuesday IS a specific date Any issues with the unit Anything concerning security Equipment issues (what, no flak vests?) Locations of units (it's OK to say they're in Iraq, but not to say that your spouse's squadron is at 14th and Ramadan in Kadamiyah) Don't discuss: Detailed information about missions of assigned units Details concerning locations and times of unit deployments Personal transactions that occur in large numbers (pay information, powers of attorney, wills and deployment information) References to trend in unit morale Personnel problems Details concerning security procedures When in doubt, you probably shouldn't post it! For more information on social media guidance, see the related link. If you or someone is interested in speaking with local editor Marques Hunter for further details, please email the editor at marques.hunter@patch.com and copy the 446 AW Public Affairs Office at 446aw.pa@us.af.mil If you have any questions or more information, contact Master Sgt. Jake Chappelle at jake.chappelle@us.af.mil